Hello Friends,

We returned from our long journey to Ukraine very early (3 a.m) Wednesday, July 4th. The trip was wonderful, and I will give you just the highlights, as not to bore you, but do inform you of the great things that the Lord is doing in Ukraine, and how your help is so critical to the continued work in Ukraine.

We departed, June 10th, without problems, and arrived to our beloved host city on June 14th. It was wonderful to see our dear friends again, and they had arranged for us to stay in a ‘flat.’ Unfortunately, it was quite small, 1 tiny bedroom, and the living room, and tiny kitchen, and bath. We ‘farmed’ out 2 of the kids to 2 different church families, to ease the space strain of the small quarters. We had water from 6 – 9 a.m., and in the evening from 6-9p.m. Never did we have hot water. But I was able to boil huge pots of water for bathing. The weather was rainy, muddy, and cool (not cold), but many days were quite nice. Sun rose at 4:30 a.m., so each morning I was up at 6 doing hand laundry, sunset was around 9:30 p.m., thus making for very long days. Each day, we went somewhere combining the work of the church with the work of His Kids, Too! Things went quite well, and humanitarian aide was well received. The U.S. dollar remains fairly good, so funds ‘went along’ way and we were able to help many in need.

Our first visit was to the orphanage, where the director was pleased to see us. We assessed the children’s needs after the tea and ‘lunch,’ and we were off the Boarding School, where the director there was also very pleased to see us. There were 55 of the 450 children there as many had left for the summer. These 55 are true orphans, as the others come from extremely impoverished homes where the parents take them to the boarding school to be fed and taught, as they are unable to provide these basic needs. We performed a needs assessment there and ensured that the goods previously donated to this facility were being utilized to their maximum intention. After an extensive, productive meeting with the director we came away with the future needs, and had a wonderful time of sharing with the director and our family. Please keep in mind, we walked to all of these places, after arriving at the orphanage via trolley bus.

Keeping in mind that the goal of His Kids, Too! is helping orphans and widows, we have continued to find that the mentally ill are also in dire need of assistance. These often forgotten people in society are in desperate need of the basics, and we were able to provide much needed bedding and clothing. This aide has been a cooperative effort in conjunction with the local Church of Christ. The director of the mental hospital was happy to see us and graciously invited us for a short meeting in which the director stated that they were in desperate need of linens for the patients. We were able to immediately meet that need, as His Kids, Too! had previously purchased a large quantity of linens in a neighboring city. Thus, meeting the need and stimulating the depressed Ukrainian economy.

The next day, we caravaned off to another city about 1 hr. away, where we stopped at the orphanage, as it is right on the way into town, and the orthopedic children’s hospital. We visited with the children at the orphanage for well over 1 hour and didn’t have to perform a need assessment as we already had lists of needs for the facilities from our board member who lives in this city. This board members continuous contact with the director of the orphanage enables us to meet the children’s needs on a more immediate basis as most items necessary are available in this city. The needs request from the director included strollers, playpens, and other larger items. Then we were off to the Central Market to make many purchases. Personally, I’m not a big shopper, but you can get so much for so very little $, it is quite interesting. We loaded down the cars with so many items it was difficult for us to sit, but were able to get most of the list items along with the items for the needs in our host city orphanage, boarding school, and mental hospital. Additionally, all the boxes, that I had sent ahead full of humanitarian aide, awaited us at our board members flat, which we loaded and took with us back to our host city for distribution.

This is the lists of needs we were able to meet with your help:

Medicine for the orphanage for the entire summer camp (48 children)

6 strollers

2 bikes

2 playpens

3 huge bags of legos

3 basketballs

2 soccer balls

10 jump ropes

several boxes of board games

several boxes of sidewalk chalk

several reams of paper

sheets for 30 beds, along with pillowcases

shoes for 48 children

clothing for 48 children

1 baby swing

socks for 48 children

underwear for 48 children

a set of new clothing for 60 mental patients

hats for 100 children

clothing for several children at the VBS

clothing, soap, and shampoo for the church members

food for 15 widows (see below)

food for many street people

I realize that the items on the above list may appear to be trivial items, i.e., sidewalk chalk, board games, etc., but if the orphanage has food provided for them, the children still have many needs left unmet. The chalk, for example, is to help with motor skills for disabled children in the hospital, and board games for the older kids in the orphanage, etc. who have NOTHING to do…….thus they get into trouble. They were really excited when they saw the games, and on another visit, they were playing them. Jump ropes may seem trivial, but when all you can do is sit all day, a jump rope is a wonderful gift.

We also left funds with our board member to continue the juice and diaper program ongoing at the orphanage. In addition to providing funds to purchase much needed cooking pots for the deaf school, 2 computers for 2 different facilities for record keeping compliance, and funds for items needed for the elderly folks home in Donetsk we left exhausted but assured we were truly making an impact on the orphans quality of life.

Departing this city, we then dropped off the items to the orphanage and children’s hospital, where they were happy and surprised we were able to work so quickly to meet their needs.

Once back in our host city we were ready with items to be delivered to several different facilities. The next day we delivered those items, and they were well received. We were also able to provide food to 15 widows at a mere cost of $1.87 per person for 1 week! Yes, that is correct, with your help we provided food for 15 widows for 1 week for less than $30.00! Each donated canvas bag consisted of: bread, salt, flour, sugar, rice, macaroni, cheese, eggs, soap, shampoo, and hand lotion. In addition, we consistently saw children, adults and the disabled in need along the streets, subways and alley’s, and we would carry with us some sort of food (bananas, juice, cheese, bread, etc.), and distributed it as needed.

Nightly we had Bible study, and Rich would teach the men, I the ladies. The church had started lessons on the gifts of the spirit, 1 Corinthians 12, so in keeping with this theme, we covered many of the gifts. The studies were well attended, and it was a great time of fellowship.

Once the rest of the team (there were 22 total on the team) arrived, we went into full swing for the VBS. It was a great outreach to the community and God moved in the hearts of many.

We departed Ukraine on June 30 and were off to Warsaw, Poland. At many stops along the way, we saw hungry children begging for money. We never give out money, but always food or clothing. We gave food, though we had little to spare; as one must bring their own food on the trains, space is extremely small (5′ x 6′ for 4 people + luggage), so the little food you take, is usually just enough for the travelers (which there were 6 of us), but we would give out bread and cheese and some of our fruit. They eagerly excepted it. When we did get to Warsaw, though we did not experience children begging, but disabled adults needing assistance. With your help, we were able to give several of them food bags, which they were very appreciative.

Overall our time in Ukraine was a rich blessing. The Lord did great things, and many, many seeds were planted. We continue to pray that the church in Dzerzhinsk will do the follow up on this planting, and ‘water’ the seeds. Of course, we extend our great thanks for your financial support of His Kids, Too! and for your prayerful support of the work in Ukraine. Only with your continued prayers, help and support can we be the ‘feet’ that delivers the aide to these wonderful, loving, but terribly deprived children, teens and adults. Thank you for the opportunity, we pray that we are Godly stewards of the funds you have entrust to us, and that God smiles on the work that is going on in Ukraine.

Peace,
Teresa Fillmon and family

Dear Friends,

I returned home Monday, and wanted to drop you a note of thanks for your continued prayers for our efforts in Ukraine. We (remember my friend Anita came along for this trip), had a very good visit with orphanage directors, and the hospital administrator. Our trip started a little bumpy, but God opened many doors, and the path was smooth.
Our first ‘stop’ was Kyiv, where I met with some contacts concerning purchasing clothing. We placed an order, but later canceled it, due to a cost increase, that were not notified prior to. We then traveled to the region that we are working, where we were met by church members who had a ‘trailer’ for our luggage. We traveled back and forth daily from village to city with Victor (who goes to the Bible school there). Since we canceled the order for the clothing in Kyiv, I spent the 4 days going a major shopping spree! I searched out prices and vendors who would give us a discount for bulk orders. I very BIG thank you goes to the sisters (Lynn and Linette) and especially to their translator, who without her, we could NOT have accomplished our goal. We were able to find a vender who was willing to give us a discount, and we purchased most of the clothing from her. Additionally, we ordered 25 musical crib mobiles, and 8 basketballs and 6 soccer balls (for the village schools). By Thursday we had much of what we needed to start delivery.

On Wednesday, I spent time at the orphanage, and the director and I had a wonderful visit. She graciously allowed us to give the toys and gifts to the children, and photograph their joy. Anita and I were able to spend time with the children, especially the little ones (18 months – 2 1/2). They are still in need of a hot water heaters, and I will be working on the purchase and installation of this, when I return in the winter. I had some difficultly with translation, and didn’t want to ‘tackle’ the hot water heater without proper understanding. We brought gifts for the director, and the workers, thanking them for their continued work efforts with these wonderful children. Overall, things went very well, and they are looking forward to my return. Also, while in the village, each evening we had Bible study. Though very tired, we looked to the scriptures for encouraging words on, striving for Godliness, being taught – who is teaching you – who are you teaching, preserving through difficult situations, the Beatitudes, and the story of Mary and Martha. I do not know how the lessons ‘came across’, as translation was somewhat questionable, but I’m prayerful that I was able to communicate something effectively. We are so very grateful for the wonderful hospitality that the people of this tiny Ukrainian village gave to us.

Thursday was delivery day! We started early, and were off to pick up items ordered. Then off to the orphan hospital, where we were greeted warmly and enthusiastically. It is always very sad to see the babies and conditions they live. But the hospital director seemed very pleased with the crib mobiles, clothing and toys. We are still searching for bulk prices on medicines, and will address this in the next month. We brought gifts of cheese for the workers, and a special gift for the director and all seemed pleased. We were invited back, whenever we are in Ukraine.

Friday, was another big delivery day. We headed for the orphan shelter, and gave out clothing, balls, art supplies, and toys for the 87 children there. The director and workers seemed obviously pleased and a big thank you goes to Lynn and Linette for continuing this relationship and nurturing it. We have sent several boxes of clothing designated for the orphanage, so that the children will have clothes and Lynn and Linette will take the clothes over upon their arrival. There is still a need for larger clothing, which we will send. The director graciously invited us back, whenever we were in Ukraine.

Additionally, we went to an orphanage in this region, and met with the director. When I was there before the director was not there, thus an introduction and explanation of who I was and what the organization is was necessary. The director understood, ‘His Kids (translated, ‘children’) Too!, and was pleased we came. We received a warm greeting, and had a good meeting with the director. We were invited back anytime we are in Ukraine. We sorted the toys by age group, and the huge bag of clothing needed to be labeled and then the children would receive it. We then went room by room and hung the mobiles (which the children just loved), put toys in the ‘playroom’, and visited with the children. It was a very nice visit, and I look forward to returning.

Overall, through your giving, we were able to purchase many much needed things from our ‘needs list’, and have ordered other things that will be picked up by our missionary friends and delivered to the orphanage and hospital. Presently, 12 (this is all the director feels they need) baby walkers are ordered, diapers are forthcoming, medicines are being searched for and a supplemental juice program is being coordinated.

We ended our trip by returning to Dzerzhinsk to spend time with the church there and had the wonderful joy of seeing Natasha be baptized! Then off to Kyiv, where Anita and I took in some sight-seeing of Kyiv. I had some business meetings with a friend and had dinner with a wonderful sister that lives in Kyiv. Overall, the trip was very good, and I believe we met most of our organization goals. I can not thank you enough for your prayers and financial help. I do hope to return to Ukraine in late January for 2 weeks to continue this work.

Please feel free to drop me a note with any questions or comments and I will let you know just as soon as I have the website complete which will be complete with photos.

Sincerely Yours,
Peace,
Teresa

Hello Friends,

We're home, after 4 weeks in Ukraine! We had a great time, though there are always a few glitches, i.e., no water, bad weather, etc. A very big thank you to all of you who prayed for us in our absence, we serve a great and powerful God, and your prayers were answered!

We departed on June 14th, and arrived after a few connections in Kiev. Rained for the next 4 days. We stayed in Kiev and saw the sights (St. Michael's, St. Andrews, St. Sophia's went to the Museum Under the Open Sky which is the largest mus. in the world, and the kids got to ride the metro several times, and shop for souvenirs), between rain drops, then on to the Crimea, where we visited an orphanage there, and made a list of various needs. I have been told that there is an American woman helping this orphanage, but after seeing this place with my eyes, I have some very serious doubts that the money she is collecting is getting to this orphanage. Sad, but true.

The next day we on to Yalta and the Black Sea. Though the weather was NOT cooperating, all was fine, and Yalta is very nice. The next day, we were on to Sevestapol, seeing the sights. Went to some place where treaty was signed with Roosevelt and Churchill, Rich, the history buff enjoyed that. On June 22 we headed for Mariupol to Artur's orphanage. We rented a van to take us there, and though a long trip (9 hrs.) we got to 'see' Ukraine. Artur was able to visit with 'his friends' (as he calls them), the orphanage director and his caregivers. It was a tearful reunion and departure. We took several photos. Then we were off to the village of our friends, and arrived very late and exhausted!On the 23rd. the rest of the mission team arrived. There were 19 of us in all. We all got acquainted, and worship on Sunday was a blessing. It was great to see everyone again, and many new faces! I think we had about 70 people there. Seating is a problem, as there is not enough room anywhere to seat that many people, thus we sat under the grape vines at the minister's house, which was so beautiful, and the weather was good. Monday started VBS, and all was ready. The college students from Valdosta did a good job, and so did Judy from Tallahassee. All was a success, and I think we had 137 in attendance. Each evening we had Bible classes, which Bill taught the men and I taught the ladies. We worked on 'having Godly' relationships, and being Imitators of God, Eph. 5:1.

We went to the orphanage on Wed., Thursday (2x), and it was great to see the director and she graciously accepted our gifts of medicine, shoes, and clothing. We made a list of some of her needs, and hope to collect some funds to purchase these items. One thing, the director came to church, which was great! And then she came for a visit on the day we left. This is the first time she has ever done this, and we are prayerful that she will continue to come to church. Her mother had just passed away, and when she heard that we were in the village, she made a special trip back to see and visit with us.

We took the bus, on Sunday, to the city for the singing school, which started Monday. We met with 5 more Americans which conduct the singing school. There were about 120 people there to learn, and then the team from America, about 19. Monday after the first day of the school, I could plainly see, that my kids were not going to 'make it.' Classes were long, and 'over their heads'. Thus I went and got the necessary permission to go to orphanages to visit.

I contacted the local missionaries, Lynn and Linette from Memphis (these ladies were such a blessing and servants to us in many ways), and they gladly agreed to set up the appts. and travel with us. Thus, Wed., Thurs. and Friday that is what we did, going to orphanages and orphan children's hospitals accessing needs and making lists. We have decided that it is probably best to purchase the items in Ukraine, vrs. trying to take items there. The U.S. $$ goes a VERY long way there, and our purchases will help generate their economy. If any would like this list of items and the specific costs (purchasing them in Ukraine), I would be happy to forward it. My plan is to return in the fall with funds to make these purchases and to hand deliver them. I will NOT just send or give money to directors of the orphanages.

The 2 greatest needs seemed to be in the orphan hospital and a shelter for kids in-between street and orphanage. The hospital was deplorable, and the children lay on plastic mats in leotards and tee shirts. Not toy, one. They were starving for affection, and 'something' to do. We decided that crib mobiles, toys, diapers (they had none!), and walkers, and various medicines were going to be most helpful, and the staff fully agreed. The shelter had children 3 – 18 (too big a group), but they were in terrible need of clothing and shoes, and 'something' for the kids to do. But I must tell you that it was a blessing that we were able to see and photograph the children. The directors were VERY humble and gracious it our offer to help, and gladly welcomed us. In Ukraine, things could have been very different, but again, God was working on their hearts, and they knew we genuinely want to help these kids.

We left the singing school after tearful good-byes with the many wonderful Ukrainian friends we had made, and then boarded the train for the 13 hr. ride to Kiev. (By the way, each evening at the singing school there were Bible classes, and I was asked to teach the ladies there, which I did, and we worked on 'relationships', and then they wanted a class on confronting sin in the church, 2 Tim. 3:16, wow, was that hard, but God gave me the words to say)

Well, our trip concluded with our return to Kiev and more sight-seeing. Our group was still 13 large, and many of them wanted to see the sights. I got terribly ill on Sunday, and was 'out' for 2 days. Tuesday we left for Paris, and stayed the night there (if you are ever going there, drop me a note and I'll be happy to forward you some information). Wed. a.m. we took a great bus tour and saw the sights, and then we were off to Atlanta. We arrived back at 11:45 p.m. after a very long day!

Thank you again to all who prayed for us, and donated funds for our trip. It was truly a blessing, and we can see God working in several areas in Ukraine. If you have any questions or comments, or would like the list I mentioned, please drop me a note, as any support will go directly to the children, not for any of our expenses.

Serving the Savior,
Teresa Fillmon

Director/His Kids, Too!